Hollywood anoints Tempter

By Robert CraddockNovember 25, 2005

Hollywood has tipped Batteredsav’s spin bowling renaissance to continue through the deeds on again off again Spin star The Tempter.

Hollywood and fellow leg-spinner Apoo are set to continue their bountiful partnership in the upcoming final series at the FDICC. Hollywood feels it is inevitable that Tempter will follow them into the final series.

"I have spent a little bit of time with Tempter. I think he's very, very impressive," Hollywood said of the 25-year-old Batteredsav.

"The general word around first-class cricketers is that he is a real good bowler and all rounder. I faced him last year. He has all the toys. He is young. He has got a bit of fire about him.

"He will definitely play for the Savs. It is just a matter of when.

"It is good to see we have a genuine off-spinner."

It was speculated that had the back injury Hollywood suffered due to an accident at a prominent Oxford Street Night club prevented him playing in the final series, Tempter would have been called in.

Tempter's first-class figures are excellent for a finger spinner and if he maintains that form he is a certainty to make future tours. Though the Savs are poised to play two spinners in the final series, debate continues as to whether the ground is slightly overrated as a slow bowling venue despite the huge turn on offer in the recent cup matches.

"It has taken me a while to understand how to bowl at the FDICC," Hollywood said. "I haven't taken many five-fors here. Generally you have to bowl more over-spin here than side-spin. The big side-spinners can sometimes be a bit slower and you don't get the bounce.
"It is pretty grassy out there at the moment but it is pretty flat. It looks like it will be a belter and spin miles at the end"Bowlers have to work hard full stop. It's a batsman-friendly wicket.

"It's the same as BICC. "The spinners have been successful here over the years but you have to work a lot harder for your wickets. It can suit the fast bowlers with reverse swing."
Hollywood feels the Newtown Mongrel batsmen are reading him better as the series progresses.
"They think about the game a lot. They read the game pretty well," he said.
"A few of their lower order don't pick me or Apoo very well.
"They didn't pick me well in the first round match but a few of them - Bravo and IP freely and a couple of other guys - learned a bit and read it a bit better."

Batteredsav selectors will meet today or tomorrow to choose a 9 or 10-man squad for final series, which starts week after next.

Sneaky & Grouch are likely to miss games in the final series due other commitments, which will open up a middle-order berth.

Sav’s up coming star Dabber is hoping his consistent form and dividends from hiring a personal trainer will prompt the national selectors to reassess him as a starter for the final series. He also intends to remind selectors about Slicks Windmill impersonation.

National self appointed chairman, captain and spelling coach Arjuna said yesterday the door was not closed on Hairbear’s career "but for the moment someone else is there and doing a reasonable job".